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July 30, 2013

While learning to master fire, harness the power of the sun, and ward off invading hordes, over the centuries man somehow managed to find time to play games.

The Metropolitan Museum of Arthouses some of the most beautiful and valuable treasures ever created. And, yes, there's even a section devoted to games.

What appears to be an interesting old box and odd shaped rocks actually comprise an ancient Egyptian game called Senet and Twenty Squares. Dating from ca 1646-1458 BC, the game pieces are comprised of ivory, wood and a copper alloy.

One of the most popular games ever produced is Monopoly, invented by Charles Darrow. In 1935, Parker Brothers bought the rights to Monopoly and the rest is history. Less than 25,000 copies of the original game were simply stamped 'Trade Mark' and are the most sought after by collectors.

While pre-1970 games are more collectible than ever, condition is the key to

investing. Make sure all of the pieces are included and the box or packaging is intact.

As with any serious business venture, education and knowledge of the commodity are crucial. Warman's Antique American Games is an excellent source of information for pricing and the collectibity of antique games and there are innumerable online sites for information and the sale of vintage games.

A Gilligan's Island board game might be worth $600 while a PartridgeFamily game from the same period might be worth $25-$50. Board games from the 1970s remain undervalued in today's collector's market so pay sharp attention while shopping yard sales, thrift shops and flea markets. Amazon

2 comments:

I always enjoyed board games when I was younger. New ones would always arrive at Christmas, and we would sit down as a family in the afternoon to play them. Many were variations on a theme, but I liked the exciting new look. It just isn't the same with the games consoles. I've played Monopoly on the Wii, and it has to be the most tedious game ever when played that way.

We would have Monopoly game marathons at Thanksgiving and during the Christmas holiday, too. My older brother always wanted to be the banker - and he almost always won! I wish more families would play board games and spend less time on individual electronic devices. One day a week the parents should hide the batteries and rechargers! -- Jan

1. decor created through upcycling vintage and antique items found at flea markets, thrift stores, and yard sales; 2. a DIY State of Mind associated with bargain hunting and repurposing everyday items in novel and unique ways; 3. a thrifty attitude of saving.

Rustic eclecticism (I made that up.)

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A sassy Southern woman of "a certain age" who collects recipes but can't cook; is a decent writer; full-time mom to two little boys in furry pajamas; long distance mom to 4 and Nana to 9 perfect grandchildren; needs to listen more (who doesn't?!) and would take a bullet for a friend...in the leg, no vital organs.

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Thank you for stopping by to share my passion for the antiquated, the faded, and the previously cherished. Join me on a journey through the blogisphere of decorating and design as we uncover golden nuggets of inspiration.